La Canalassa family via ferrata, in Vallcebre

What it is

La Canalassa is a family via ferrata in Vallcebre, in the upper Berguedà, designed for the youngest and for anyone who has never put on a harness. Turisme del Berguedà gives it the lowest grade, F (easy). It is a short route, with no demanding passages, that climbs the rock with staples and a lifeline cable, with views of the Pedraforca. You spend between 45 minutes and an hour and a quarter on the wall. It has an optional second part, known as the K2, and links with the final stretch of the harder Roques de l’Empalomar ferrata.

It is the simplest way to try a ferrata with children from age 6.

Where it is

It is part of the Espai Actiu Vallcebre, the adventure facilities run by Vallcebre Town Council at the Pla de la Barraca, next to the Sierra de Ensija and the Cingles de Vallcebre. They are managed by Pèndol Guies, which authorises other companies to work there. There is also a climbing school, canyoning, orienteering circuits for children and signposted trails.

To do it on your own you need an access pass, with insurance included (federated members with the right licence don’t pay that part). It is bought at the Vallcebre tourist office or online at berguedareserves.cat; in the low season or outside the hut’s hours, buying online is compulsory. Minors need written authorisation from a parent or guardian.

With a guide: Pedratour

Pedratour, a guiding company with an office in Berga, offers it as a guided family activity:

• Duration: 45 minutes to an hour and a quarter on the route.
• Group: up to 8 people.
• Minimum age: 6, always with an adult.
• Price: from €37 per person; €40 per person if there are two of you. The second part, the K2, costs €10 more per person.
• Includes: qualified guide, personal equipment (harness, energy absorber and helmet), public liability and accident insurance and a photo report.
• Season: all year.

Book by phone or email. When booking, children are signed up in the same way as adults. Agree the time and meeting point, which do not match the office’s opening hours.

Getting there and parking

Vallcebre is less than half an hour by car from Berga: take the C-16 up to Guardiola de Berguedà, take the Saldes road and follow the signs to Vallcebre. The car park for the ferrata area is at the Pla de la Barraca. From there the approach is about 20 minutes on foot along marked paths through pines.

When to go

All year, in good weather. In summer, in the morning: the rock and the path heat up. In spring and autumn the temperature is the most pleasant. The facilities close in storms or strong wind, and it is not recommended in ice.

What to bring

High-ankle boots or trainers with a good sole, comfortable clothes, cycling gloves, water and something to snack on. If you go independently you need an approved helmet, harness and via ferrata energy absorber; with a guide, the company provides them.

With children

Six is the guide’s minimum age, but size counts too: the harness has to fit properly and the child must be able to reach the staples. Explain beforehand what they are going to do and let them go at their own pace. If they want more, the K2 gives them a bit more route without yet moving up to the Empalomar’s grade.